Pomykala (2012)
Quality Index (Adjusted QI) 0.672
0 Low < 0.56 Moderate 0.56–0.77 High ≥ 0.78 1
Study Details
ConditionStress in caregivers
Clinical domainAnxiety & Stress
PopulationDistressed caregivers
Sample sizen = 14
Country / SettingUSA - UCLA neuroimaging research
Protocol clusterKirtan Kriya (12-min)
Duration8 weeks, 12 min/day Kirtan Kriya
Control typeOther/Mixed
ComparatorN/A - Mechanism study
Outcomes & Effect Sizes
Primary outcomeStress/QOL + Cognition
Scales usedBrain metabolism mapping; PSS
Key resultBrain metabolism changes; stress-brain link demonstrated
Effect sizeBrain metabolic changes quantified; stress-brain connectivity
Retention100% (14/14 completed)
SafetyNo adverse events during PET imaging
Methodological Summary
Pre-post imaging; pilot; very small sample; no control
KY Protocol Components
Kirtan Kriya: 12-minute singing meditation using mantra "Sa-Ta-Na-Ma" with finger movements (thumb touches index, middle, ring, pinky sequentially). Structure: 2 min aloud → 2 min whisper → 4 min silent → 2 min whisper → 2 min aloud. STUDY-SPECIFIC: HIV-positive adults with cognitive complaints; 8 weeks daily practice; outcomes: cognitive function, mood, quality of life.
Quality Item Scores — 1 fail · 2 partial · 3 pass · ★ critical
★A1
2
A2
3
★B2
2
B3
3
B4
2
★B5
2
B6
2
★B7
2
★B8
1
B9
2
JP1
3
Critical fails1
Raw QI0.727
SAF0.925
Adjusted QI0.672
Final ratingModerate